A 45-year-old Virginia man was arrested and charged with burglarizing a Clubhouse Road home in south Merrick on Friday night. Nassau County Police said he attempted to steal a safe.

According to detectives, 7th Precinct police officers responded to a home burglary alarm on Clubhouse Road on July 26 at 9:50 p.m. and found a Chevy Cruze parked in front of a neighbor’s driveway, with the door open, interior lights on and a large safe on the front seat. They then heard glass shattering at the back of the home.

The suspect, identified by police as Donald Smith, ran and leapt into Merrick Bay, behind the home, authorities said. A police helicopter circled overhead as police chased down and apprehended Smith, according to officials.

Police said that Smith resisted arrest, flailing his arms and kicking as officers brought him into custody.

Smith was charged with burglary in the second degree and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on July 28. Smith was held without bail. He is represented by the Legal Aid Society, which does not comment on cases.